Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Conestoga has been awarded $720,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) to support two social innovation research projects over three years.
“Thanks to the generosity of NSERC and the CCSIF program, this funding enables Conestoga to advance applied research in critical areas of social innovation and health care, supporting healthier, more resilient communities,” said Saleh Jiddawi, interim executive director of Research & Innovation.
The first project, led by researchers Linda Sheiban Taucar and Dr. Catherine Tong of the Centre for Health Care Research & Innovation (CHCRI), will measure the impact of an evidence-based care transitions model designed to improve health outcomes for people on the waitlist for long-term care and their family caregivers.
As the only model of its kind in Canada, this approach uses proven best practices to support individuals who face gaps in care while waiting for placement in long-term care.
“We are delighted to receive this funding, which allows us to shine a light on a local innovation that has already improved the health and well-being of so many individuals,” said Linda Sheiban Taucar, director of CHCRI. “This program helps people when they are at their most vulnerable, and it is our privilege to work alongside the team at Woodingford Lodge to champion their efforts and support other care homes in offering similar programming.”
The second project, led by researcher Mustahid Husain and the Conestoga Social Innovation Lab, will explore mental health, identity and well-being among Bangladeshi-Canadian youth in the Greater Toronto Area through collaborative, arts-based community research.
In partnership with local cultural organizations, the work will develop visual and storytelling interventions and an inclusive digital archive to support mental health awareness, community connection and intergenerational dialogue.
"This research is not just about suicide prevention; it's about reclaiming belonging and creating a culture where our children feel seen, where failure is survivable, and where faith coexists with freedom," said Husain.
These projects are among 38 across Canada that received funding through CCSIF in 2025.
About Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Conestoga
Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Conestoga brings together students, faculty, community partners and industry in collaboration to identify, address and solve challenges across a variety of sectors in our ever-changing economic, social and environment landscape.
With the largest gathering of research minds at a Canadian college, Conestoga is dedicated to achieving real-world results for partners, recruiting, mentoring and empowering thinkers, problem solvers and thought leaders ready to help change the world, one innovation at a time. Visit Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship to explore capabilities, get inspired by the latest projects or get in touch.
About the College and Community Social Innovation Fund
CCSIF grants are managed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). CCSIF grants enable colleges to conduct multidisciplinary research and collaboration on projects with community partner organizations by providing funding up to $120,000 per year of the project.